Transformation in Hague's attitude to the EU
Updated on 01 July 2010
One of the striking aspects of William Hague's foreign policy speech is its emphasis on the EU and the very constructive tone used, Clara O'Donnell, research fellow at the Centre for European Reform, told Channel 4 News.
One of the aspects ofWilliam Hague's speech that is very striking is the emphasis on the EU and the very constructive tone being used, Clara O'Donnell, research fellow at the Centre for European Reform, told Channel 4 News.
If we compare today's address to speeches by William Hague a year ago, there has clearly been a transition in the relative importance he accords to the EU. He has been very critical of the EU in the past, but the tone here is very positive.
The speech will be very well received in Brussels and the EU. The two points he highlights – working with EU states and with EU institutions – are two points other members states have raised in the past.
In recent years smaller member states have said they felt the UK was not investing enough in developing relations with them. The UK was thought to have a short-term approach to relations. Not enough importance was devoted to building relationships with the smaller countries, which is essential if you want to push your ideas through.
Countries like Poland frequently told us they felt the UK had not put enough effort in trying to build constructive relationships. The eastern European countries are countries with whom the UK has a natural affinity, but in the past they have felt the EU did not do enough to build relationships.
The presence of the Liberal Democrats in the coalition is clearly making the government sound more constructive on the EU.
I would add as a caveat that it is not as if the UK was not putting in any effort at all. But it has to be said, the smaller countries always felt the UK was not doing enough compared, say, to France, which was always active in building relationships.
Mr Hague's promise to increase the numbers of UK nationals in senior EU posts is welcome, particularly at a time when the External Action Service (the new EU diplomatic unit created by the Lisbon treaty, bringing together all diplomatic staff who work on foreign affairs) is being set up.
To be effective, the big member states will have to staff the EAS with good people. There was a concern that if the UK did not send good people, it would weaken the institution. The fact that the UK is sending a positive signal is going to be very welcome.
It is significant that, in the past year, the commonwealth tended to figure above the EU in speeches by William Hague. In today’s address it features below the EU.
The question is: how far can you use the commonwealth to pursue UK goals, because of the very disparate nature of the members?
It is interesting to see the foreign secretary’s statement that he is in favour of Turkish membership. France and Germany are increasingly opposed to it. The UK is one of the very few EU member states which is explicitly and emphatically calling for Turkish EU membership.
Also of note is the fact that Nato barely gets any mention at all. In the past Nato was accorded greater importance by the shadow Conservative cabinet.
